Sports CS Hassan Wario has today termed tomorrow’s KPL derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards as illegal since both clubs have not registered according to 2013 sports act. He was speaking during today’s Sports Journalist Association of Kenya Annual General Meeting.

Wario has urged both clubs to comply with Sports act as his ministry seeks to streamline sports in the country. AFC Leopards have already been engaged in wrangles with one group claiming to be the bonafide officials of the club. Wario said those had not registered with Sports Registrar were not part of the Sport.

The Sports CS also talked about management in Sports Federations citing a case where Safaricom had to terminate their sponsorship contract with Kenya Rugby Union due to lack of transparency.

“If English Premier League clubs were not managed well, we will not be watching any games, we have huge talent in this country but they’ve been let down by poor management” Wario Observed.

It was the first AGM for Sports Journalist Association of Kenya and it was well attended by sports journalists from all media houses. The meeting was also graced by Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore, Coca Cola’s Public Relations Manager Bob Okello, Super sports East Africa General manager Auka Gacheo as well as Sports Commissioner Gordon Oluoch.

Also in attendance was heads of various sports Federations including FKF’s Sammy Nyamweya, KPL CEO Jack Oguda as well as Athletics Kenya CEO Isaac Mwangi.

Speaking during the meeting, SJAK chairman Chris Mbaisi, who is also Sports Editor for Star Newspaper noted the strides the Association has made since they were elected into the office. Mbaisi further highlighted the challenges facing the association including lack of sponsors and called on Wario to support them.

“I believe as Sports Journalists we can make a difference and I want to call upon the cabinet secretary to give us support” Mbaisi said.

The chairman also urged Sports Federations in the country to solve the wrangles surrounding them adding that the Federations can help journalist learn how to report on various stories.

“We are not happy as journalists constantly reporting about wrangles in our federation” He added.

The chairman used the forum to reveal they are in advanced talks with sponsors to have monthly football awards. The plan to have SJAK’s annual awards was hatched last year during a media workshop in Naivasha and Mbaisi revealed the dream is almost coming to pass. The new awards are set to start next month.

During the meeting, Star reporter Samson Ateka was elected to fill the vacant Executive seat. Ateka beat strong opposition from Maureen Mwende and Erich Ochieng.